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Match Zone: North Carolina FC vs. Bethlehem Steel FC

Game: North Carolina FC vs. Bethlehem Steel FC

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6

Box Office Opens: 2:00 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens: 3:00 p.m. ET

Parking: $10 general admission (cash/electronic)/$15 VIP (in advance)

Red & Blue Express: https://www.northcarolinafc.com/express

Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tickets: bit.ly/NCvBSTtix

Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Where to Watch: WRAL2 l ESPN + http://bit.ly/WatchNCvBST

Game: North Carolina FC vs. Bethlehem Steel FC

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6

Box Office Opens: 2:00 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens: 3:00 p.m. ET

Parking: $10 general admission (cash/electronic)/$15 VIP (in advance)

Red & Blue Express: https://www.northcarolinafc.com/express

Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tickets: bit.ly/NCvBSTtix

Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Where to Watch: WRAL2 l ESPN + http://bit.ly/WatchNCvBST

North Carolina FC Returns Home to Host Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. BETHLEHEM STEEL FC
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 – 7:00 PM ET

WATCH: WRAL2/ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvBST

Cary, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2019) – North Carolina FC returns home to face Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Saturday’s match, presented by WakeMed, is NCFC’s first at home since defeating the Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-2 on Aug. 21.

With seven games remaining in the USL Championship regular season, NCFC (13W-7L-7D, 46 points) holds sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, firmly in the postseason picture.

Back on its home field, NCFC will hope to bounce back following a 4-0 road loss at Loudoun United last weekend by grabbing its second victory against Bethlehem this season. Back in March, NCFC nabbed a 1-0 road win at Bethlehem on March 16 behind a 51st-minute goal by forward Marios Lomis.

Bethlehem (7W-13L-5D, 26 points), coached by Brendan Burke, is in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and most recently defeated Swope Park Rangers 2-0 last weekend behind goals from Michee Ngalina and Zachary Zandi.

Defensively, Bethlehem has given up 47 goals, the fourth-most in the Eastern Conference. NCFC will hope to take advantage of that with its well-balanced scoring attack, led by midfielder Steven Miller, who has a team-best nine goals and six assists. Six players have four-plus goals for NCFC in 2019, and head coach Dave Sarachan will hope that depth comes in handy with midfielders Nazmi Albadawi (Palestine) and Dre Fortune (Trinidad & Tobago) and forward Yamikani Chester (Malawi) each playing with their respective national teams.

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has had a terrific second season with NCFC, recording six clean sheets with a .764 save percentage. Bethlehem has started four different goalkeepers this season. Twenty-three-year-old Todd Morton was between the posts for the team’s past four matches, two of which were shutouts. Offensively, Bethlehem is led in scoring by 18-year-old Cameroonian Faris Pemi Moumbagna, who has six goals in 18 appearances.

Last Time Out

North Carolina FC fell 4-0 Saturday night against Loudoun United at Segra Field. Despite matching Loudoun with 14 shots, NCFC couldn’t find the back of the net in its final match of August.

A threat up top, NCFC forward Justin Rennicks challenged Loudoun goalkeeper Calle Brown in the 70th minute with a left-footed curler but had his shot saved. Still pushing forward, NCFC nearly got on the board in the 86th minute when forward Yamikani Chester’s effort from the right of the 18-yard box narrowly rolled wide left.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC – #16 Graham Smith
NCFC’s home form has been terrific in 2019, thanks in large part to its defensive prowess. In 13 home matches, NCFC has conceded only 11 goals and has five clean sheets. While NCFC’s defensive success has been based on a teamwide effort, Smith has played an especially important role. Playing in a holding role, the second-year player is often breaking up opposing attacks and providing cover for NCFC’s back line.

Bethlehem Steel FC– #38 Zachary Zandi
The midfielder from West Chester, Pa., has done well for himself in his rookie season, recording two goals and a team-high five assists. A reliable presence in the midfield, Zandi ranks second on Bethlehem in minutes played (1,768) and scored in the team’s most recent match. He’s someone NCFC will certainly have to keep an eye on Saturday.

Looking Ahead

NCFC begins its final multiple-game road trip of the regular season at Swope Park Rangers on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5:00 p.m. ET before traveling to face the Charleston Battery on Sept. 22 for a Southern Derby showdown.

NCFC’s next home match comes against Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

North Carolina FC Trio Set for International Duty with Respective National Teams

CARY, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2019) – Nazmi Albadawi, Yamikani Chester and Dre Fortune of North Carolina FC have been called into their respective national teams for the upcoming FIFA September window, which runs from Sept. 2-10.

Albadawi is set to join Palestine for its matches against Uzbekistan on Sept. 5 and Singapore on Sept. 10, which double as 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. Albadawi, a Raleigh native, is eligible to represent Palestine through ancestral ties, and has one goal in four international appearances.

Chester, in his first season with NCFC, has made five appearances for Malawi, the latest of which came in March. Malawi will face Botswana in the first round of Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10.

Fortune’s upcoming stint with Trinidad & Tobago will be his first with the senior team. The Raleigh native and NCFC Youth Academy product previously played for Trinidad & Tobago’s U-17 national team, as he was eligible to do so through his parents’ nationality. Trinidad & Tobago will play a home-and-home with Martinique on Sept. 6 and Sept. 9 in the Concacaf Nations League.

A schedule for Albadawi, Chester and Fortune’s matches can be found below.

NCFC returns home to host Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET. NCFC defeated Bethlehem 1-0 on the road in March in the first meeting between the two teams this season. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Palestine

Players (caps/goals):
Nazmi Albadawi (4/1)

Games (Eastern Time listed):
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier – Palestine vs. Uzbekistan – Thursday, Sept. 5 at 10:00 a.m. ET – Al-Ram, Palestine

2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier – Palestine at Singapore – Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7:45 a.m. ET – Kallang, Singapore

Malawi

Players (caps/goals):
Yamikani Chester (5/0)

Games (Eastern Time listed):
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier – Malawi at Botswana – Saturday, Sept. 7 at 10:00 a.m. ET – Francistown, Botswana

2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier – Malawi vs. Botswana – Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9:00 a.m. ET – Blantyre, Malawi

Trinidad & Tobago

Players (caps/goals):
Dre Fortune (0/0)

Games (Eastern Time listed):
Concacaf Nations League – Trinidad & Tobago at Martinique – Friday, Sept. 6 at 6:00 p.m. ET – Fort-de-France, Martinique

Concacaf Nations League – Trinidad & Tobago vs. Martinique – Monday, Sept. 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET – Couva, Trinidad & Tobago

North Carolina FC Falls on Road at Loudoun United

LEESBURG, Va. (Aug. 31, 2019) – North Carolina FC fell 4-0 Saturday night against Loudoun United at Segra Field.

Despite matching Loudoun with 14 shots, NCFC couldn’t find the back of the net in its final match of August. With seven games remaining in the USL Championship regular season, NCFC (13W-7L-7D, 46 points) holds sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

After early pressure by NCFC, Loudoun opened the scoring against the run of play, as NCFC defender Sam Brotherton was unlucky to see his deflection of a cross roll into his own net in the 31st minute.

Loudoun made it 2-0 in the 38th through midfielder Antonio Bustamante and that was the scoreline at halftime despite a good sequence right before the break by NCFC that saw shots from midfielder Graham Smith and forward Donovan Ewolo blocked.

The hosts tacked on two more in quick succession in the second half, as forwards Kyle Murphy and Elvis Amoh found the back of the net in the 58th and 63rd minutes, respectively.

A threat up top, NCFC forward Justin Rennicks challenged Loudoun goalkeeper Calle Brown in the 70th minute with a left-footed curler but had his shot saved.

Still pushing forward, NCFC nearly got on the board in the 86th minute when forward Yamikani Chester’s effort from the right of the 18-yard box narrowly rolled wide left.

Notes

– NCFC forward Yamikani Chester appeared in his first match since Aug. 10 and recorded three shots and two key passes.

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was featured once again, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor, Dre Fortune, Manny Perez and Caleb Duvernay were named in the starting lineup, as were former NCFC U23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia.

– NCFC defender and former UNC standout Colton Storm made his club debut.

– Forward Yamikani Chester, midfielder Duval Wapiwo and defender Colton Storm appeared as substitutes for NCFC.

Looking Ahead

NCFC returns home to host Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET. NCFC defeated Bethlehem 1-0 on the road in March in the first meeting between the two teams this season. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

LDN (4-2-3-1): Calle Brown; Robert Dambrot, Harri Hawkins, Collin Verfurth, Connor Presley; Antonio Bustamante, Nelson Martinez (Moses Nyeman, 57’); Elvis Amoh (Orlando Sinclair, 81’), Carlos Alvarez, Gordon Wild; Kyle Murphy© (Andrew Lubahn, 63’)

Subs not used: Allexon Saravia, Jeremy Garay, Colin Miller, Shane Wiedt

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Graham Smith (Duval Wapiwo, 71’), Nazmi Albadawi©; Donovan Ewolo, Dre Fortune, Manny Perez (Yamikani Chester, ‘10); Justin Rennicks (Colton Storm, 74’)

Subs not used: Robbie Kristo, Victor Igbekoyi, Alex Tambakis, Austin da Luz

Score:
LDN: 4
NCFC: 0

Goals:
LDN: OG (Sam Brotherton, 31’), Antonio Bustamante (Gordon Wild, 39’), Kyle Murphy (Moses Nyeman, 58’), Elvis Amoh (Connor Presley, 63’)
NCFC: —

Cautions:
LDN: Rombert Dambrot 9’, Harri Hawkins 61’
NCFC: Duval Wapiwo 86’, Colton Storm 90+3

Ejections:
LDN: —
NCFC: —

Attendance: 1,551

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North Carolina FC Closes Out Busy August at Loudoun United on Saturday

MATCHDAY INFO:
LOUDOUN UNITED VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
SEGRA FIELD
SATURDAY, AUG. 31 – 7:30 PM ET

WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #LDNvNC

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 30, 2019) – North Carolina FC closes out what has been a successful August on Saturday, as it travels to face Loudoun United at 7:30 p.m. ET at Segra Field in Leesburg, Va.

NCFC, which has won three games in August, is a victory away from its first four-win month since April 2016. Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team holds fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with a 13W-6L-7D record (46 points) and is attempting to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 loss at Louisville City FC last weekend.

Saturday’s meeting is the second between the two teams this season, as NCFC defeated Loudoun 3-0 in Cary on July 17 behind a brace from midfielder Yamikani Chester and a goal by forward Robbie Kristo.

Loudoun, coached by Ryan Martin, is coming off a 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday. Winless in its last seven matches, Loudoun (5W-12L-6D) finds itself in 15th place in the Eastern Conference in its first-ever season. However, Loudoun has taken points in two of its first four home matches at the recently opened Segra Field, which hosted its inaugural game on Aug. 9.

NCFC, which has five road victories on the season, could match last season’s away win total with three points on Saturday. To do so, NCFC will need to add on to its 47 goals on the season, the second-most in the Eastern Conference. Midfielder Steven Miller, who was recently named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for the third time this season, leads the team in both goals (nine) and assists (seven). Not far behind Miller are midfielder Dre Fortune and forward Donovan Ewolo, who each have found the back of the net seven times.

Defensively, NCFC has relied on goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Darrin MacLeod to limit opponents to 0.92 goals per match. Between Tambakis and MacLeod, NCFC has recorded eight shutouts. Paced by forward Kyle Murphy (six goals), Loudoun is averaging 1.26 goals per match.

Last Time Out

Playing its third game in seven days, NCFC dropped a 1-0 result on the road at Louisville City FC last Saturday. The narrow defeat snapped NCFC’s three-match winning streak, its longest of the season. Despite a solid defensive performance in what was goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod’s fourth start of the year, Louisville City’s 55th-minute goal from Magnus Rasmussen proved to be the difference maker.

Offensively, NCFC had several good scoring chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. In the 32nd minute, forward Donovan Ewolo appeared to score the game’s first goal, but the Cameroonian striker was ruled offside. Even after going behind, NCFC earned good scoring opportunities through midfielder Steven Miller in the 69th minute and forward Justin Rennicks in the 89th, as his shot ricocheted off the far post.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC – #6 Austin da Luz
The NCFC captain, who has battled through injuries in 2019, made his first start in four months last time out against Louisville City FC, playing the full 90. When at full strength, da Luz can be a force in the NCFC midfield with his ability to set up other teammates and score himself.

Loudoun United– #9 Kyle Murphy
Murphy captained Loudoun United and scored in his team’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday. With six goals on the year, the former San Antonio FC man leads Loudoun in scoring and is one goal from matching his career high. The NCFC defense will understandably keep a close eye on Murphy on Saturday.

Looking Ahead

NCFC returns home to host Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET. NCFC defeated Bethlehem 1-0 on the road in March in the first meeting between the two teams this season. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

North Carolina FC Defender Timmy Mehl Completes Short-Term Loan Move to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

CARY, N.C. (Aug. 29, 2019) – North Carolina FC defender Timmy Mehl has joined USL League One side Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on a short-term loan, the club announced on Thursday.

Mehl, 23, has appeared in three matches for NCFC in his rookie season, earning starts in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches against the Richmond Kickers and Florida Soccer Soldiers and in USL Championship play at Birmingham Legion FC.

Mehl joined NCFC in January following a successful college career at Indiana University, where he made 72 appearances, recorded six goals and four assists and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

Currently in its inaugural season, Chattanooga holds sixth place in the 10-team USL League One.

NCFC gets back to action on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Loudoun United at 7:30 p.m. ET. NCFC returns home on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m., as it hosts Bethlehem Steel FC. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

North Carolina FC Defender Adam Armour Included in U.S. U-17 Youth National Team Squad for 4 Nations Tournament

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2019)—North Carolina FC defender Adam Armour has been named to the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team squad by head coach Raphael Wicky for the 4 Nations Tournament in Assen, Netherlands from Sept. 5-9. The USA will face Mexico, Netherlands and Denmark at the competition, which will serve as the team’s final official international matches before the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

Armour, 16, has made 16 appearances for the U-17 YNT. The Cary native plays for the NCFC Academy's U-18/19 squad and in April signed an academy contract with NCFC, making him available for first-team matches while maintaining his college eligibility. Armour has also trained with the first team throughout the 2019 season.

U.S. U-17 MNT Roster by Position (Club; Hometown; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Aaron Cervantes (Orange County Soccer Club; Chino Hills, Calif.; 3/0), Damian Las (Unattached; Norridge, Ill.; 18/0), Chituru Odunze (Leicester City/ENG; London, England; 6/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Sebastian Anderson (Colorado Rapids; Highlands Ranch, Colo.; 0/0), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.; 16/0), George Bello (Atlanta United; Douglasville, Ga.; 6/1), Nicolas Carrera (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas; 0/0), Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 5/0), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.; 15/0), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 20/2), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City/ENG; Plano, Texas; 0/0)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Maximilian Dietz (Freiburg/GER; Frankfurt, Germany; 0/0), Ethan Dobbelaere (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.; 0/0), Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.; 19/0), Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.; 5/1), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.; 23/2)
FORWARDS (7): Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City; Greensboro, N.C.; 13/7), Andres Jasson (New York City FC; Greenwich, Conn.; 8/0), Noah Jones (RB Leipzig/GER; Berlin, Germany; 0/0), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.; 21/9), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; McKinney, Texas; 12/4), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; Bedford, N.Y.; 14/7), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.; 12/7)

Fourteen players return from the USA’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship squad that clinched a record 17th qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. Twenty-one of 23 players, including every player born in the U.S., has spent at least one season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 are age-eligible for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. For this camp, Wicky has called 21 players born in 2002 and two born in 2003.

USA Schedule – 4 Nations Tournament

Date	Match-Up	Kickoff (ET)	Venue
Sept. 5, 2019	U-17 MNT vs. Mexico	12:30 p.m.	Sportpark Marsdijk; Assen, Netherlands
Sept. 7, 2019	U-17 MNT vs. Netherlands	9 a.m.	Sportpark Marsdijk; Assen, Netherlands
Sept. 9, 2019	U-17 MNT vs. Denmark	12:30 p.m.	Sportpark Marsdijk; Assen, Netherlands

Following the tournament in the Netherlands, the USA will look ahead to the kick-off of Group D play at the U-17 World Cup, where it will play Senegal on Oct. 27, Japan on Oct. 30 and Netherlands on Nov. 2.

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CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2019)—North Carolina FC defender Adam Armour has been named to the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team squad by head coach Raphael Wicky for the 4 Nations Tournament in Assen, Netherlands from Sept. 5-9. The USA will face Mexico, Netherlands and Denmark at the competition, which will serve as the team’s final official international matches before the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

Armour, 16, has made 16 appearances for the U-17 YNT. The Cary native plays for the NCFC Academy’s U-18/19 squad and in April signed an academy contract with NCFC, making him available for first-team matches while maintaining his college eligibility. Armour has also trained with the first team throughout the 2019 season.

U.S. U-17 MNT Roster by Position (Club; Hometown; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Aaron Cervantes (Orange County Soccer Club; Chino Hills, Calif.; 3/0), Damian Las (Unattached; Norridge, Ill.; 18/0), Chituru Odunze (Leicester City/ENG; London, England; 6/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Sebastian Anderson (Colorado Rapids; Highlands Ranch, Colo.; 0/0), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.; 16/0), George Bello (Atlanta United; Douglasville, Ga.; 6/1), Nicolas Carrera (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas; 0/0), Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 5/0), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.; 15/0), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 20/2), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City/ENG; Plano, Texas; 0/0)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Maximilian Dietz (Freiburg/GER; Frankfurt, Germany; 0/0), Ethan Dobbelaere (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.; 0/0), Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.; 19/0), Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.; 5/1), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.; 23/2)
FORWARDS (7): Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City; Greensboro, N.C.; 13/7), Andres Jasson (New York City FC; Greenwich, Conn.; 8/0), Noah Jones (RB Leipzig/GER; Berlin, Germany; 0/0), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.; 21/9), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; McKinney, Texas; 12/4), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; Bedford, N.Y.; 14/7), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.; 12/7)

Fourteen players return from the USA’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship squad that clinched a record 17th qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. Twenty-one of 23 players, including every player born in the U.S., has spent at least one season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 are age-eligible for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. For this camp, Wicky has called 21 players born in 2002 and two born in 2003.

USA Schedule – 4 Nations Tournament

Date	Match-Up	Kickoff (ET)	Venue
Sept. 5, 2019	U-17 MNT vs. Mexico	12:30 p.m.	Sportpark Marsdijk; Assen, Netherlands
Sept. 7, 2019	U-17 MNT vs. Netherlands	9 a.m.	Sportpark Marsdijk; Assen, Netherlands
Sept. 9, 2019	U-17 MNT vs. Denmark	12:30 p.m.	Sportpark Marsdijk; Assen, Netherlands

USL Reaches New Rights Agreement with ESPN, ESPN+

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2019) – The United Soccer League (USL) announced a new three-year rights agreement with ESPN on Tuesday that features the USL Championship and League One matches through the 2022 season.

The new agreement will see a three-fold rise in the number of games televised annually on ESPN’s networks, including the addition of Spanish-language telecasts on ESPN Deportes, as well as continued expansive coverage on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service.

“We are thrilled to continue with ESPN and ESPN+,” said USL Executive Vice President Court Jeske. “USL is an organization that aims to put the fans first and we know that supporters across the country will be very pleased with this new three-year agreement and the exposure it brings.”

The relationship between the USL and ESPN will enter its fifth full year in 2020 as the league celebrates its 10th anniversary season. Under the new agreement, 18 regular-season games from the Championship will air on ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU or ESPN Deportes annually in addition to the USL Championship Final. All other matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.

“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with the United Soccer League, and showcase the USL Championship and USL League One competitions across ESPN networks and ESPN+ through this new agreement,” said Scott Guglielmino, ESPN Senior Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions.

The Championship has grown through its relationship with ESPN and ESPN+, including the debut of League One during the inaugural year of ESPN+. This new agreement will see nearly triple the content on ESPN networks, including ESPN Deportes, helping the USL and its clubs continue to broaden their fanbase.

USL will continue to be featured among the portfolio of world-class domestic and international soccer on ESPN+, along with Major League Soccer, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Italy’s Serie A, the F.A. Cup, the English Football League, and the qualifiers for the UEFA 2020 European Championship. In 2019, more than 750 regular season contests across the USL Championship and USL League One will air on ESPN platforms.

Games will continue to be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida.

About USL
The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America, possessing nearly a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two, the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 100 clubs in its membership.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL has grown over the past decade into a model organization with strong corporate partnerships, stable organizational leadership, and a dedicated staff that provides outstanding support to member clubs and outside partners. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association, the USL is #UnitedForSoccer, moving the game forward in the United States and Canada.

About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, International Champions Cup, USL, A-League, India Super League and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

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North Carolina FC Midfielder Steven Miller Named to USL Championship Team of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC midfielder Steven Miller has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for the third time this season, following a two-goal performance in NCFC's 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Aug. 21.

The brace was the second of the season for the 29-year-old Miller, who has a team-high nine goals and six assists for NCFC in 2019.

NCFC gets back to action on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Loudoun United at 7:30 p.m. ET. NCFC returns home on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m., as it hosts Bethlehem Steel FC. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Thomas Olsen, Las Vegas Lights FC: Olsen recorded a five-save shutout and was also sharp in his distribution as he completed 28 of 34 passes in Lights FC’s 1-0 win against the Portland Timbers 2.
D – Kyle Duncan, New York Red Bulls II: Duncan recorded the game-winning goal – his first as a professional – and an assist in New York’s win against Nashville and completed 84 of 110 passes over two games for the week.
D – Ken Tribbett, Nashville SC: Tribbett recorded one goal and one assist over two contests while also winning 15 of 23 duels and 8 of 12 aerials to help Nashville remain in the top three in the Eastern Conference.
D – Ramon Martin Del Campo, Fresno FC: Del Campo scored a late game-winner against Colorado Springs to cap a performance in which he also won 7 of 9 duels and 6 of 7 aerials and completed 16 of 21 passes.
D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth scored the opening goal in Ottawa’s victory against Saint Louis on his fourth free kick finish of the season while also completing 47 of 59 passes and winning 5 of 8 duels.
M – Cristian Parano, San Antonio FC: Parano recorded two goals, two assists, five chances created and completed 36 of 42 passes as San Antonio defeated New Mexico United 5-0 at Toyota Field.
M – Kwadwo Poku, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Poku scored twice in Tampa Bay’s victory against Memphis on Saturday and over two games for the week completed 96 of 108 passes and completed 7 of 8 dribbles.
M – Drew Conner, Indy Eleven: Conner scored a pair of goals in his first start for the Eleven on Sunday against Charlotte while completing 42 of 44 passes and recording two key passes.
M – Jared Stroud, New York Red Bulls II: Stroud scored in each contest as the Red Bulls II swept a pair of road games against Nashville SC and the Swope Park Rangers while also recording four chances created.
M – Steven Miller, North Carolina FC: Miller had a pair of goals and made seven recoveries in NCFC’s midweek win against Tampa Bay, and completed 34 of 46 passes across two games for the week.
F – Wojciech Wojcik, Hartford Athletic: Wojcik came off the bench and lead Hartford’s rally with two goals, including a late game-winner, while also completing 9 of 10 passes in the side’s victory against Atlanta.

Bench: Kyle Morton (PIT), Oscar Jimenez (LOU), Eric Bird (RGV), Malik Johnson (TBR), Rafael Garcia (OKC), Aodhan Quinn (OC), Prosper Kasim (BHM)

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC midfielder Steven Miller has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for the third time this season, following a two-goal performance in NCFC’s 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Aug. 21.

The brace was the second of the season for the 29-year-old Miller, who has a team-high nine goals and six assists for NCFC in 2019.

NCFC gets back to action on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Loudoun United at 7:30 p.m. ET. NCFC returns home on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m., as it hosts Bethlehem Steel FC. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Thomas Olsen, Las Vegas Lights FC: Olsen recorded a five-save shutout and was also sharp in his distribution as he completed 28 of 34 passes in Lights FC’s 1-0 win against the Portland Timbers 2.
D – Kyle Duncan, New York Red Bulls II: Duncan recorded the game-winning goal – his first as a professional – and an assist in New York’s win against Nashville and completed 84 of 110 passes over two games for the week.
D – Ken Tribbett, Nashville SC: Tribbett recorded one goal and one assist over two contests while also winning 15 of 23 duels and 8 of 12 aerials to help Nashville remain in the top three in the Eastern Conference.
D – Ramon Martin Del Campo, Fresno FC: Del Campo scored a late game-winner against Colorado Springs to cap a performance in which he also won 7 of 9 duels and 6 of 7 aerials and completed 16 of 21 passes.
D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth scored the opening goal in Ottawa’s victory against Saint Louis on his fourth free kick finish of the season while also completing 47 of 59 passes and winning 5 of 8 duels.
M – Cristian Parano, San Antonio FC: Parano recorded two goals, two assists, five chances created and completed 36 of 42 passes as San Antonio defeated New Mexico United 5-0 at Toyota Field.
M – Kwadwo Poku, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Poku scored twice in Tampa Bay’s victory against Memphis on Saturday and over two games for the week completed 96 of 108 passes and completed 7 of 8 dribbles.
M – Drew Conner, Indy Eleven: Conner scored a pair of goals in his first start for the Eleven on Sunday against Charlotte while completing 42 of 44 passes and recording two key passes.
M – Jared Stroud, New York Red Bulls II: Stroud scored in each contest as the Red Bulls II swept a pair of road games against Nashville SC and the Swope Park Rangers while also recording four chances created.
M – Steven Miller, North Carolina FC: Miller had a pair of goals and made seven recoveries in NCFC’s midweek win against Tampa Bay, and completed 34 of 46 passes across two games for the week.
F – Wojciech Wojcik, Hartford Athletic: Wojcik came off the bench and lead Hartford’s rally with two goals, including a late game-winner, while also completing 9 of 10 passes in the side’s victory against Atlanta.

Bench: Kyle Morton (PIT), Oscar Jimenez (LOU), Eric Bird (RGV), Malik Johnson (TBR), Rafael Garcia (OKC), Aodhan Quinn (OC), Prosper Kasim (BHM)

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC midfielder Steven Miller has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for the third time this season, following a two-goal performance in NCFC’s 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Aug. 21.

The brace was the second of the season for the 29-year-old Miller, who has a team-high nine goals and six assists for NCFC in 2019.

NCFC gets back to action on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Loudoun United at 7:30 p.m. ET. NCFC returns home on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m., as it hosts Bethlehem Steel FC. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Thomas Olsen, Las Vegas Lights FC: Olsen recorded a five-save shutout and was also sharp in his distribution as he completed 28 of 34 passes in Lights FC’s 1-0 win against the Portland Timbers 2.
D – Kyle Duncan, New York Red Bulls II: Duncan recorded the game-winning goal – his first as a professional – and an assist in New York’s win against Nashville and completed 84 of 110 passes over two games for the week.
D – Ken Tribbett, Nashville SC: Tribbett recorded one goal and one assist over two contests while also winning 15 of 23 duels and 8 of 12 aerials to help Nashville remain in the top three in the Eastern Conference.
D – Ramon Martin Del Campo, Fresno FC: Del Campo scored a late game-winner against Colorado Springs to cap a performance in which he also won 7 of 9 duels and 6 of 7 aerials and completed 16 of 21 passes.
D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth scored the opening goal in Ottawa’s victory against Saint Louis on his fourth free kick finish of the season while also completing 47 of 59 passes and winning 5 of 8 duels.
M – Cristian Parano, San Antonio FC: Parano recorded two goals, two assists, five chances created and completed 36 of 42 passes as San Antonio defeated New Mexico United 5-0 at Toyota Field.
M – Kwadwo Poku, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Poku scored twice in Tampa Bay’s victory against Memphis on Saturday and over two games for the week completed 96 of 108 passes and completed 7 of 8 dribbles.
M – Drew Conner, Indy Eleven: Conner scored a pair of goals in his first start for the Eleven on Sunday against Charlotte while completing 42 of 44 passes and recording two key passes.
M – Jared Stroud, New York Red Bulls II: Stroud scored in each contest as the Red Bulls II swept a pair of road games against Nashville SC and the Swope Park Rangers while also recording four chances created.
M – Steven Miller, North Carolina FC: Miller had a pair of goals and made seven recoveries in NCFC’s midweek win against Tampa Bay, and completed 34 of 46 passes across two games for the week.
F – Wojciech Wojcik, Hartford Athletic: Wojcik came off the bench and lead Hartford’s rally with two goals, including a late game-winner, while also completing 9 of 10 passes in the side’s victory against Atlanta.

Bench: Kyle Morton (PIT), Oscar Jimenez (LOU), Eric Bird (RGV), Malik Johnson (TBR), Rafael Garcia (OKC), Aodhan Quinn (OC), Prosper Kasim (BHM)

North Carolina FC Hopes to Keep Hot Streak Going at Louisville City FC on Saturday

MATCHDAY INFO:
LOUISVILLE CITY FC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER FIELD
SATURDAY, AUG. 24 – 3:00 PM ET

WATCH: WRAL2/ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvLOU

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 23, 2019) – Riding its longest winning streak of the season, in-form North Carolina FC will attempt to win its fourth straight match when visiting Louisville City FC on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET.

NCFC (13W-5L-7D, 46 points) goes into Saturday’s match at Louisville Slugger Field having most recently defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-2 on Wednesday night for a win that moved the team into second place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference.

The first of NCFC’s 13 wins came on March 9, the opening day of the season, as NCFC defeated Louisville City 4-1 in Dave Sarachan’s debut as NCFC head coach. On Saturday, Sarachan’s team will encounter a Louisville City side (11W-7L-6D, 39 points) that is up to seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Like NCFC, Louisville City carries a three-match winning streak into Saturday afternoon’s tilt. Coached by John Hackworth, Louisville City is coming off a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery.

Louisville City has been good on its home ground, with 7W-3L-2D at Louisville Slugger Field in 2019. However, NCFC has been more than solid on the road and is 5W-4L-3D away from Cary.

Having scored nine goals in its past two matches, NCFC will hope for another good offensive performance against Louisville. Only New York Red Bulls II have scored more goals than NCFC (47) in the Eastern Conference, and Sarachan’s team has used a well-balanced attack to trouble opposing defenses.

Along with Ottawa Fury FC, NCFC is one of only two teams in the league to have four players with six-plus goals in 2019. Midfielder Steven Miller leads the way with nine goals, two of which came on Wednesday, and also has a team-high six assists. Miller is one of only two players in the Eastern Conference with nine-plus goals and six-plus assists on the season. Midfielder Dre Fortune and forward Donovan Ewolo aren’t far behind, with seven goals apiece.

Defensively, NCFC’s 23 goals conceded are the fifth-fewest in the USL Championship, and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis’ .764 save% is the second-best in the Eastern Conference.

For Louisville City, Danish midfielder Magnus Rasmussen (nine goals) and forward Luke Spencer (seven goals) have combined to score 16 of the team’s 36 goals.

Last Time Out

A brace by midfielder Steven Miller and midfielder Dre Fortune’s second straight game with both a goal and an assist powered NCFC to a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. With the win, NCFC swept the regular-season series with Tampa Bay and moved into second place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference.

Fortune, who scored twice in a 5-0 win against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC last weekend, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with his seventh goal of the year. Tampa Bay managed to equalize via a 32nd-minute goal by its captain, Sebastian Guenzatti, and the two teams went into halftime all square.

But for the second straight game, NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan’s group dominated during the second half. NCFC’s surge began in the 50th minute thanks to a set piece. Having received a corner kick from Fortune, Miller calmly slotted his shot into the right side of the net, giving NCFC a lead it would never let up. NCFC continued to wear down the Rowdies as the match progressed, and second-half substitute Manny Perez, a Garner native and N.C. State product, made a clear impact. Making a run on goal from the right flank, Perez cut inside and fired a shot that resulted in an own goal on Tampa Bay’s Pape Diakité in the 76th minute.

Before it was all said and done, NCFC added a fourth in the 79th minute through Miller, the beneficiary of an excellent individual run into the 18-yard-box and pass by right back DJ Taylor, a Raleigh native. The Rowdies received a consolation in the 90th minute, as Juan Tejada scored late in the match.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC – #31 Steven Miller
Miller has done a little bit of everything over the years for NCFC, playing up top at times, but also in the midfield and as a defender. But in his fifth season with the club, Miller has been an offensive powerhouse. After his brace on Wednesday, Miller has nine goals – more than twice his previous career high of four – this season to go along with a team-best six assists. Miller has also captained the side 17 times in 2019.

Louisville City FC – #7 Magnus Rasmussen
Rasmussen burst onto the scene in his first season with Louisville City by scoring eight times in 2015. After scoring only four goals between 2016-18, the 26-year-old midfielder has had a bounce back 2019 campaign, leading his team with nine goals. Rasmussen has scored in consecutive matches, and NCFC will need to keep an eye on him on Saturday.

Looking Ahead

NCFC will play another road game as it travels to face Loudoun United on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. ET. In its last game against Loudoun United, NCFC won 3-0 on July 17 behind two goals by Yamikani Chester. NCFC’s next home match comes against Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

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